Do I have to report a car accident to my insurance company or the police?
State laws differ on when and how you have to report a car accident. Many people might ask, "How long do you have to report a car accident?" Statutes of limitation vary by state. Generally, you don't have to report a car accident if there are no injures and only minor damage. Keep in mind that even if you do not report your auto accident to your insurance company, they may eventually find out if a police report is filed.
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Zach Fagiano
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
UPDATED: Sep 22, 2024
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UPDATED: Sep 22, 2024
It’s all about you. We want to help you make the right coverage choices.
Advertiser Disclosure: We strive to help you make confident car insurance decisions. Comparison shopping should be easy. We are not affiliated with any one car insurance company and cannot guarantee quotes from any single company.
Our partnerships don’t influence our content. Our opinions are our own. To compare quotes from top car companies please enter your ZIP code above to use the free quote tool. The more quotes you compare, the more chances to save.
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If you’ve been driving for any length of time, it’s quite likely you been involved in at least one accident. For most of us, accidents are minor, consisting of nothing more than a bent fender or scratched door panel. That said, there are some questions:
- Do you have to report every car accident to the insurance company?
- Do insurance companies care that you’re involved in an accident if your car wasn’t damaged?
- Is it a good idea to withhold information about an accident from your insurance?
- Do you have to report every accident to the police?
- Do you have to report a minor crash to the police or insurance company
Continue reading to for the answers to these questions.
State laws vary in terms of accident reporting and insurance claims. But it’s safe to say that very few states, if any, require that absolutely every accident be reported.
Keep in mind that even if you do not inform your insurance company of an accident, they will eventually find out if a police report is filed.
Police reports become a matter of public record and will be uncovered during the next routine check your insurance provider conducts.
- State laws differ on what you must report.
- Generally, you do not need to report accidents with minor damage and no physical injury to your insurance company.
- If you are involved in a crash, there as some key steps you can take to protect yourself.
Reporting an Accident and Its Implications
Notifying insurance of an accident but not claiming can be a strategic decision for minor incidents. However, it’s crucial to report the car accident to your insurance company regardless of the decision to claim, as failing to do so can have serious consequences. In cases where the other party did not report the accident, it can lead to an unsuccessful motor insurance claim.
Even in scenarios like an accident on a private property with no police report, it is advisable to notify the Admiral of an accident or your respective insurance company. This ensures that your insurance after an accident remains valid and that you are protected against potential future claims or disputes.
In some states, such as California, there are specific accident reporting requirements. The California DMV accident reporting requirements mandate that drivers report accidents involving injury, death, or significant property damage within ten days.
Additionally, a California Highway Patrol accident report may be required for incidents on highways or involving state-owned vehicles. Even if there is no police report, reporting auto accidents to insurance companies is essential to avoid complications later.
For example, if the driver at fault has not reported the accident, having your report can support your case and ensure proper processing of car accident claims.
In cases like a hit-and-run car accident or a car accident with an uninsured driver at fault, prompt reporting becomes even more critical. Whether it’s a minor accident with no police report or a more severe incident, it’s important to follow legal and insurance protocols. Failure to report an accident in Wisconsin, for instance, can lead to fines or other penalties.
In parking lot accidents, especially when there is no police report, documenting and reporting the incident to your insurance company is vital. Protected no claims after an accident may help maintain your premium rates, but you have to declare accidents for car insurance purposes.
Not reporting an accident is illegal in many jurisdictions and can result in denial of future claims or policy cancellation if you don’t report an accident within 24 hours.
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The Importance of Reporting Accidents to Insurance Companies
When dealing with an auto accident report, it’s essential to understand the importance of timely and accurate reporting to your insurance company. Even in cases where you might choose not to claim, reporting an accident to your insurance company is crucial. This includes scenarios such as a car accident without a police report or a car accident with an uninsured driver at fault.
In these situations, documenting and reporting the accident ensures that your insurance coverage remains valid and that you are protected against potential disputes. For instance, if you did not report the accident to the insurance company, it could lead to complications or an unsuccessful motor insurance claim, particularly if the other party involved did not report the accident.
Reporting an accident to your insurance company is a legal obligation in many places. Whether it’s a parking lot accident with no police report or a driving accident report, your insurer needs to be informed.
For example, if you need to report an accident to Direct Line car insurance or any other insurer, providing a detailed car insurance report of the accident, even if you do not plan to claim, is essential. This documentation can include a vehicle accident report and a clear account of the incident to avoid potential issues.
In cases of no-fault car accidents, reporting the incident is still necessary to ensure your records are up-to-date and to prevent issues with future claims.
Additionally, if you fail to report a minor car accident to your insurance or if you are not at fault in a car accident but do not tell your insurance about the accident, you may face difficulties.
Reporting auto accidents and following up with your insurance company, whether it involves reporting an accident to the police online or obtaining a police report for a car accident in a parking lot, helps maintain transparency.
It is essential to report the car accident to your insurance company as soon as possible, even if you believe the accident is minor or not your fault. This practice not only complies with legal requirements but also ensures that your insurance for an at-fault car accident or otherwise remains intact.
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What do car insurance companies do if I don’t report a car accident?
It’s not uncommon for state law to indicate that no reporting is necessary following a minor accident void of personal injury or significant property damage.
In fact, it’s very common for drivers to be involved in a minor accident and both go on their way without reporting it to anyone.
But insurance companies vary in their reporting requirements based on who they are covering and to what extent the policy covers a vehicle. Some insurance policies specifically spell out the fact that every accident must be reported to them, regardless of how minor.
While they have no means of legal enforcement, they can certainly refuse to pay a claim if a non-reported accident becomes an issue in the future.
They also have the freedom to drop customers who pose a significantly higher risk or have a track record of routinely failing to report accidents.
Read more: Does an accident in a parking lot affect car insurance rates?
What are the reasons some people fail to report accidents?
- The most common cause of failure to report car accidents to the car insurance company is a fear that it will cause a rise in rates.
- While this certainly is a possibility, in accidents that can be deemed the fault of the other driver your insurance rates probably will not go up significantly.
- The unfortunate thing is that if an insurance company finds out about unreported accidents at a later date, your insurance rates will almost always go up.
- The second most common reason for failure to report accidents rests in the fact that the driver involved was breaking the law or practicing some other sort of negligence.
- For example, a driver who caused an accident while using a cell phone may prefer to pay damages on the other vehicle out of pocket, rather than incur the possible consequences of reporting such an accident to the insurance company. This is especially true in states where it’s illegal to use a hand-held device while driving.
How do I report a car accident to my insurance company?
There is no specific, legal procedure for filing a claim with your insurance provider, but most car insurance companies agree on a few practical things you should always do:
- Do not admit fault at the scene – This is first and foremost. Allow the police to do a thorough investigation where they can officially determine fault. Admission of fault during the heat of the moment may come back to bite you later on.
- Make a diagram – Most insurance companies recommend that you draw a detailed diagram of the surrounding area and the accident scenario. Taking pictures at the accident scene is also a big plus.
- Gather witness statements – Finally, getting statements from witnesses always helps in defending your position. The point is this: the more information you can provide your insurance company when reporting on accident the better off you’ll be.
Reporting every accident to your car insurance company is not necessarily legally required, but it’s still a good idea. It is true that honesty is the best policy, and that even applies where car insurance is concerned.
Drivers who are careful to maintain an open and honest relationship with their insurance companies are more likely to get favorable rates and good service.
Regardless of whether or not you’re required to report every accident to the insurance company, you can find the best car insurance rates by typing in your ZIP code now!
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Do I have to report a car crash?
You must report serious accidents to your car insurance company. If you’re not at fault, your rates won’t be affected. High-risk drivers pay $137.75/month more for coverage.
- You are contractually obligated to report accidents to your auto insurer
- If there are any injuries involving either party, it is in your best interest to report the accident to your insurance company and the police
- If you have no fault, reporting an accident will not raise your car insurance costs
There are so many stresses that come as a result of being involved in a car crash.
One of the many stressful aspects is the fact that you need to decide whether or not to report the accident to your car insurance company.
In fact, there are often negative financial consequences that result from reporting such information, even if you do not involve the insurer in making restitution to a third party or to cover your own expenses.
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Do I have to report an accident?
You are contractually obligated to report accidents to your auto insure, so it is in your best interest to contact your insurance company if you are involved in an accident.
After you’ve reported your car crash, make sure to take pictures so you can show the insurance company the evidence.
The Extent of Damages or Injuries Affects Reporting
Many people make their decision about whether or not to report a car crash to their insurance company based on:
- the extent of the damages
- whether there are any injuries
- whether other people involved in the accident are threatening to contact their insurance carrier
If there are any injuries involving either party, even very minor ones, it is definitely in your best interest to report the accident to your insurance company and the police.
Small injuries at the time of the accident often have a way of turning into something more serious later.
When there are no injuries involved and only very minor damage, both parties often decide between themselves to either pay for their own damages or to just put up with the slight damage to their vehicle.
However, if it is a clear case of who is at fault, like in the case of one car being rear-ended by another, the person at-fault may agree to pay for the repairs.
This may save the at-fault individual high increases on their insurance policy premium for years to come.
No matter your circumstance, do not consider keeping this information from your insurance company. This could be the start of some major insurance trouble and is not worth it.
Read More: What do I do if my car got rear ended?
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Where the Accident Takes Place
The location of the accident will often have an impact on whether an insured individual actually decides to report it. The time and location will influence when to report an auto accident to your insurance company.
If you do not report a car accident, you could become at fault for not reporting.
Accidents that occur on private property, such as parking lots, are automatically deemed to be 50-50 in terms of who is at fault. Therefore, it is often easier for each party to cover the costs of repairs to his or her own vehicle only and not involve the insurance companies.
Such accidents often go unreported to insurers in order to avoid having the at-fault accident contribute to a rise in premiums.
Single car accidents, especially on one’s own property, in which a driver hits a stationary object, like a fence or tree, are often unreported. If you are ever involved in a car accident in your area, make sure you follow the correct reporting procedures from your insurance company.
The Consequences of Reporting a Car Crash
Reporting a car accident usually means that there will be an increase in your premiums.
Even just being partially at fault can mean that you are considered to be a higher-risk driver than you were prior to the accident.
If you decide to pay the claim yourself you may save yourself some of the increase in your coverage because you will not add a claim to your claims history. However, your premium will still likely be affected because your driving record will be tarnished by the crash.
Not reporting a car wreck to your insurance can drastically affect your car rates.
If you are completely not at fault, reporting a car crash will not affect your coverage.
This does not mean that you should simply not report it at all. You should always consider your options when you are involved in a minor accident.
Some people may speak with the other involved party and agree to pay for any damages and repairs out of pocket rather than involving the insurance company. While this can work in many cases, you may be putting yourself at risk.
While this can work in many cases, you may be putting yourself at risk.
If you leave the scene of the accident after discussing out-of-pocket settlement, the other party may still call the police and make a report.
If so, you can be charged with leaving the scene of an accident, a serious violation which will cause your insurance to rise and get you in trouble with the law.
Reporting an accident to the police does not always mean that the police will in turn report it to your insurer. Watch out for the legal ramifications of accidents.
Finding the Best Car Insurance Coverage
Regardless of whether you have reported car crashes to your present insurer, the time will come when you need to find prices on car insurance coverage.
If you are looking for a new policy and want good coverage at a good price, the best way to get it is to shop around carefully and compare what is available. The quickest and easiest way to get a variety of quotes from companies serving your area is to use our online quote tool.
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How do car insurance companies find out about accidents?
- You may not want your insurance provider to know about an accident because you fear your insurance premiums will increase
- However, even if you do not tell them, your insurance company may find out anyway, especially if your car is in need of repair
- If your vehicle is taken for repair, the accident may end up on the CLUE list which stands for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange.
- The CLUE list allows your carrier to check this report to see if a claim was filed under your name or the name of the other party to the accident
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Is it okay if my car insurance carrier finds out about my car accidents?
Many companies offer accident forgiveness in many cases. This is an incentive for your business.
Therefore, if you have a fender bender or minor accident with minor injuries, your carrier may consider this accident to be forgiven.
On the other hand, if the accident results in major injuries or happens because of a DUI, your carrier may not be as forgiving.
You may have to pay the consequences for this one.
Your first concern is going to be the likelihood of license suspension in either case. License suspension will depend on the state where the accident occurred and where your car is registered.
Since each state establishes its own laws regarding traffic violations, the state will be a determining factor. However, the outcome can be easy to predict since many state laws are similar.
For instance, if you live in a no-fault insurance state, it does not matter who is at fault in an accident. Each insurance carrier pays for his or her subscriber’s medical expenses and damages according to the terms of the policy.
If the event happens in a state where liability exists, there may be an increase because of the expenses to the insurer. The amount of the increase may hinge on the state also. The state has a set standard of how much a company may raise your premiums.
Once my car insurance carrier finds out about my car accident, when will they raise my premium?
Your insurance carrier may not find out about your car accident for a few months. If you recently acquired or renewed your policy, it may be a couple of years before they examine your Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).
There are times when the accident requires the notification of carriers.
If the accident warrants a look at the MVR, then the insurance carrier will look it over.
If your accident is due to a DUI/DWI, your options change.
Your carrier will become aware of your accident and possibly cancel your policy immediately. If you go to court and your license is suspended or revoked, you will not need insurance.
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How can I get my premiums back down after my carrier finds out about my car accident?
If you weathered the storm of an accident and it has been a few years since it occurred, congratulations! It is now time to work on getting a rate reduction.
Did you know you can call your carrier and request a reduction? Accidents may stay on your MVR for three, five, or seven years depending on the state.
If you live in a state where your accident remains for five years, you may call your carrier after year three with no violations and make your case.
If they do not consider it this year, they may consider it the following year. The point is as long as you continue driving without incident your chances increase.
Should I take a class after my insurance company finds out about my car accident?
If your car accident involves the police then you might have received a ticket. This could generate as many as six points on your MVR.
Your insurance company will more than likely find out about the accident; however, you may be able to take a class to lessen the impact.
Taking a defensive driving class may knock three points off your MVR, which in turn may have an impact on the cost of your insurance premiums.
Always drive with awareness and caution!
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Will my car insurance company call me after an accident?
If you’re wondering whether or not your insurance company will call you after an accident, you actually have to contact them first. Then, after you file your claim, they will contact you.
- If you are involved in an accident, you should notify your insurance agent as soon as possible
- After you file your insurance claim from the accident, your insurance company will contact you
- If you do not hear from your insurance company a few days later, contact them again
When should you call your car insurance company after an accident? If you are involved in an accident, it is always best for you to contact your insurance agent as quickly as possible.
How do you deal with insurance after an accident? Immediately notifying your provider will help speed up the car insurance claim process and have the repairs done in a timely manner. (For more information, read our “How long do car repairs take after an accident?“).
Mostly likely it will be weeks before your insurance agent will contact you or find out about an accident if you do not report it to them first.
You should always take the incentive to contact your insurance agent as soon as possible.
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Why is it important to get in touch with my car insurance company promptly?
Getting in touch with your provider will allow you to get the car insurance claim filed and handled quickly. Click here to learn how to file a car insurance claim.
There are times when your ability to access those funds is essential to paying the medical bills resulting from an accident.
Rather than waiting for the company to contact you, take the initiative and call them immediately.
Normally when an insurance agent or claims representatives contacts you, they are looking for details regarding the accident.
They then process the information to determine who is at fault, what will and will not be covered, who will pay for the repairs of the damage, and the amount that will be paid out.
How does the insurance claims process typically work?
Should I call my insurance company after a minor accident? The majority of car accidents in the United States are minor and do not usually involve severe injuries. Unfortunately, even minor car accidents can result in expensive car damage. Will a minor car accident increase insurance rates?
The common car insurance claims process is fairly simple. When the policyholder is in an accident, they call their insurance company and file a claim.
The insurance company then sends out a claims adjuster to look at the damage and estimate how much it would cost to repair.
After the claims adjuster files their report, the car insurance company issues a check for that amount to the policyholder for the repairs to the car.
The main thing that the claims adjuster and insurance provider are looking for in a claim is proof of damage and/or injury.
What are the basic steps to filing a car insurance claim?
The first step after any car accident, no matter how minor, is to call the police. Only call 911 if there is a significant medical need.
Calling the police is necessary because in most cases, a car insurance provider will not process a claim without a police report.
The second step is for the policyholder to exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident. Make sure you get the other driver’s license plate, insurance information, and contact information.
After getting the other driver’s information, the policyholder should then get the information of any witnesses that saw the accident.
A third-party witness is important if the other driver is at fault for the accident but decides to blame the policyholder instead.
The policyholder should call their car insurance provider as soon as possible. Most large insurance companies have a 24-hour claims service, so call the insurance company directly from the accident site.
The number for the claims service is typically located on the policyholder’s insurance identification card.
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Will my insurance company call me after an accident if I am not at fault?
Many people believe that they do not have to file a claim with their insurance carrier if they are not at fault for the accident, but this is not true.
The policyholder should always keep their insurance provider aware of the situation.
Whoever the policyholder speaks with when they call the claims service will direct the policyholder on the next steps they should take and will follow up with the policyholder as necessary.
Often it can be tricky to get an insurance company to pay for your vehicle’s damages if you are not their client.
If you do not inform them that there was an accident, it can take a while before the insurance company becomes aware of it.
What questions will my car insurance company ask me after an accident?
After reporting the accident, your insurance agent may contact you to get the details surrounding the accident.
The details help determine who was at fault, what is covered, what kinds of repairs are needed, and who will be paying for those repairs.
If you leave a message for your insurance agent or have questions regarding your car insurance claim, it is the responsibility of the insurance company to call you back.
If it has been a few days and you still have not heard from them, you may want to try to contact them again.
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Reporting a Car Accident to the Police
- You are not required by law to report an accident, so long as the damage is minimal
- It is within your best interest to report any accident, especially if another individual claims he will pay for the damages to your car out-of-pocket
- It is possible for your car insurance rates to increase after an accident that you did not cause
So, you’ve had a car accident but there are no injuries and you are wondering if you have to call the police to report the accident.
The problem is that the laws for this vary from state to state, which means that it is important to know your state’s laws in order to know when you need to call the police.
In most cases, you have to call the police if the damage to either vehicle involved in an accident looks like it exceeds a certain monetary amount. In some states it may only be $1,000 in damage; in other states, it can be as much as $5,000 in damage.
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It may be prudent to call the police no matter how minor the accident.
You don’t know whether something that seems minor will turn into something major later.
Having a police report regarding the incident may end up protecting you if you end up in court over the accident.
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What if I don’t contact the police and there is a problem later?
If you don’t call the police at the time of your car accident, you run the risk of a future problem.
If the other driver in the accident is an honest person, then you may only face longer turnaround times from your insurance company.
If, however, that person starts making false claims about an accident, you may end up having to defend yourself in court.
Do I have to inform my insurance company if I have an accident?
You don’t have to report an accident to an insurance company if you don’t want to. Of course, both you and the other driver in the accident have to agree to this course of action because, if one of you reports the accident and the other doesn’t, this could cause a problem when it comes time to collect on a claim.
Not many people forgo calling their insurance company if they have an accident. However, if someone has the money to pay for the damages in an accident, they are not obligated to use their insurance to cover the costs.
If you are in an accident that someone else causes and they ask you not to call their insurance company because they will pay for the damages themselves, you still need to exchange insurance information.
Read more: Does my car insurance go up if someone hits me?
The reason for this is that many people say they are going to pay and then they don’t. If you get their insurance information, then you can make a claim without them, so long as you have the police report proving that there was an accident.
If you don’t inform your insurance company of an accident and you don’t get the repairs done to your vehicle, your insurance company can refuse to pay a future claim based on the prior damage to your vehicle.
It is important that you get the repairs done on your vehicle if at all possible so that any future claims aren’t a problem. You can get repairs done without going through your car insurance.
My car insurance rates went up after an accident that wasn’t my fault–is that legal?
An insurance company can raise your rates even if you aren’t the cause of an accident. However, most insurance companies don’t do this unless you have had several car accidents throughout the year.
The reason they do this is a bit tricky. When someone has multiple claims in a short time-frame, it appears as if the person is engaging in high-risk driving, even if they aren’t the cause of the accidents.
An insurance company will raise your rates based on a perceived risk, even if you haven’t caused any accidents because insurance companies base rates on perceived risk.
For example, a teen driver with no driving history is automatically considered to be a high-risk driver because of statistics associated with teen driving.
If you think that your insurance company is targeting you unjustly, you can file a complaint with your state’s insurance department.
You will also want to consider changing car insurance companies. Of course, you will want to get a quote first to ensure that you can get a lower rate than what you are already paying.
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Do I always have to contact the police after an accident?
You should report a car accident to the police if there has been major damage to the cars or if someone is injured. But it doesn’t hurt to call them for any accident.
- You are not obligated to call the police after every car accident, but it always is a good idea to contact the police
- There are certain animals that, if you hit them with your car, you must contact the police
- Make sure you gather the insurance and contact information of the other driver in every accident
Although it would be in your best interest to always call the police when you get into a car accident, you only have to call the police if there has been major damage to the cars, persons, or property involved in the accident.
Even in a minor fender bender, contacting the police to see if they will come over to assist in reporting the vehicle mishap between you and another driver is a smart move.
The more proactive, prepared, and calm you are before a car accident, the clearer your head will be to make an informed decision during this potentially stressful time.
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Do I need to report to the police if I hit an animal with my car?
In most states, you would not have to call this type of accident into the police. Although you may be shaken up, you are not legally obligated to call in for most creatures.
Animals that you do need to call the police about if you are in an accident with them are:
- Horse
- Cattle
- Pig
- Goat
- Mule
- Donkey
- Dog
If you hit a cat or other creature, make sure it is on the side of the road and that it is all right. If the animal is severely injured, you can choose to help it by calling a veterinarian.
Read more: Does car insurance cover hitting a dog?
Should you call the police for a fender-bender?
Even though in some metropolitan areas the police will not come out to an accident unless there is severe damage to the vehicles or someone is injured, you should still make the call.
Having a police report may be the best piece of evidence to prove to your insurance company if you should be liable for the accident or not.
Although the police will not file a police report for you immediately, you will still be able to get a copy of the report.
Usually, you have to pay a nominal fee to the police station a few days or weeks after the accident.
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What information should I exchange with the other driver if I get into a car accident?
If you both can get out of the car and are in a safe place to take down information, here are the critical pieces of information you should take down:
- Names
- Addresses
- Phone numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Vehicle identification and license plate numbers
- Contact information for their insurance companies and policy numbers
- Car’s registration and get the owner’s name and contact information if it’s not the driver
- Names, addresses and phone numbers of witnesses and passengers
If you have a camera or one on your cell phone, take photographs of the damage and the car accident scene. If you are without a camera, at least try to make a rough sketch of the accident.
Make sure to note the time, date, and location of the accident.
If a police officer does arrive, take down his/her badge number, and find out where and when you will be able to pick up this police report.
Should I contact my car insurance company if the accident is minor?
No matter how big or small an accident you should always file a notification with your insurance provider.
But depending on your deductible, you may not want to file a car insurance claim.
If you have a high deductible, and the accident only caused $300 worth of damage after getting the car evaluated by a trusted mechanic, then you may want to delay filing a claim on the car so your insurance premiums don’t go up.
In this instance, you can simply pay for the repair out of pocket.
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Case Studies: Reporting Car Accidents to Insurance Companies and Police
Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be complex, especially when dealing with scenarios like a car accident with an uninsured driver at fault. Understanding when and how to report an accident to your insurance is crucial to ensuring a smooth claims process and protecting yourself financially. This guide explores the essential steps and considerations involved in reporting such incidents to your insurance company
Case Study 1: Reporting a Minor Accident to the Insurance Company
Sarah was involved in a minor fender bender in a parking lot. There was no significant damage to either vehicle, and neither party was injured. Sarah was unsure whether she should report the accident to her insurance company. After considering her options, she decided to report the incident to her insurer to be on the safe side.
She called her insurance company, provided them with the necessary details, and filed a claim. Although her insurance rates didn’t increase significantly, she was relieved to have the incident on record in case any issues arose later.
Case Study 2: Withholding Information From the Insurance Company
John was driving home when he accidentally rear-ended another vehicle at a stoplight. Both vehicles had minor damage, but the other driver offered to settle the costs privately without involving their insurance companies. John, wanting to avoid potential rate increases, agreed to the arrangement. However, a few weeks later, the other driver changed their mind and reported the accident to their insurance company.
The insurance company contacted John’s insurer, who was unaware of the accident. As a result, John’s insurance rates were increased, and he faced consequences for failing to report the accident initially.
Read more: How do you settle an auto accident without an insurance company?
Case Study 3: Reporting an Accident to the Police
Emily was involved in a car accident where she was T-boned by another driver at an intersection. The collision caused significant damage to both vehicles, and Emily suffered minor injuries. Recognizing the seriousness of the accident, Emily promptly contacted the police, who arrived at the scene to assess the situation and file a report.
Emily also reported the accident to her insurance company, providing them with the police report as evidence. Her insurance company reviewed the report and handled her claim accordingly, covering the costs of repairs and medical expenses. The police report played a crucial role in determining fault and ensuring a smooth claims process.
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How to Effectively Manage Your AAA Auto Insurance Claims
When it comes to handling your AAA auto insurance, understanding the process for managing claims and getting support is crucial. This guide covers everything from filing a claim to contacting customer service.
Filing an AAA Auto Insurance Claim
If you’ve been involved in an incident, the first step is to report it. You can report an accident to AAA by following these simple steps:
- Gather Information: Collect all relevant details about the accident, including photos, witness statements, and the police report.
- Contact AAA: Call the AAA insurance phone number to initiate your claim. Make sure you have your policy number and accident details ready.
- Submit Your Claim: You may need to fill out an AAA incident report to officially document the accident.
Understanding AAA Insurance Claim Payout
After filing your claim, AAA will review the details and process the payout. The speed and amount of the AAA insurance claim payout depend on several factors, including the nature of the claim and your coverage limits.
AAA Car Insurance Customer Service
For any questions or assistance, the AAA car insurance customer service team is available to help.
- The AAA customer service hours can vary, so it’s helpful to check their website or call ahead to ensure you reach them at a convenient time.
Contacting AAA Customer Support
If you need further assistance, whether it’s related to a claim or general questions about your policy, you can reach out to AAA customer support:
- Call the AAA insurance phone number for direct assistance.
- Visit the AAA website to find additional resources and support options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I report a minor fender bender to my insurance company?
It’s generally recommended to report a minor fender bender to your insurance company. Hidden damages or injuries may emerge later, and reporting ensures compliance with your policy and provides documentation if needed.
Will reporting a car accident to my insurance company raise my premiums?
Not all accidents increase premiums. The impact depends on factors like accident nature, fault, driving history, and insurer policies. Consult with your insurance company for specific details.
Can I report a car accident to my insurance company if I don’t want to file a claim?
Yes, report the accident even if you don’t plan to file a claim. Your insurer may need the information for their records, future reference, or to assist with potential claims later.
What happens if I don’t report a car accident to my insurance company?
Failing to report an accident may result in coverage denial, as policies often require reporting. If the other party reports the accident, your insurance company may find out, causing potential complications.
Can I report a car accident to my insurance company if I’m not at fault?
Yes, report the accident to your insurance company even if you’re not at fault. They need to be aware and can assist you with the claims process or if the other driver’s insurance is uncooperative.
Will my insurance company investigate the accident before approving my claim?
Insurance companies often conduct investigations before approving claims to assess liability, review details, speak with parties/witnesses, assess damages, and verify coverage.
What happens if you don’t report a car accident to your insurance?
If you don’t report a car accident to your insurance, you might face several consequences. Your insurance company could deny any claims related to the accident, leaving you financially responsible for repairs and medical expenses. Additionally, failing to report the incident might affect your insurance premiums or coverage in the future. It’s crucial to report any accidents to your insurance provider to ensure you’re covered and to comply with your policy terms.
Is it illegal to not report a car accident to insurance?
It is not necessarily illegal to not report a car accident to your insurance company, but it is highly discouraged. Most insurance policies require you to report any accidents as part of the terms and conditions. Failing to report an accident can lead to denied claims and could potentially result in legal issues if you’re involved in further disputes related to the accident. Always check your policy’s requirements and local laws to ensure compliance.
Do you have to report an accident if not claiming?
Yes, you should report an accident to your insurance company even if you do not intend to make a claim. Reporting the accident helps ensure that your insurance record is accurate and protects you if any claims arise later. Additionally, some policies require reporting regardless of whether a claim is made to avoid potential penalties or coverage issues.
How long do you have to report a car accident to your insurance company?
The timeframe to report a car accident to your insurance company varies by policy and state regulations, but it is generally advisable to report it as soon as possible. Many insurers require notification within a specific period, often within 24 to 72 hours of the accident. Check your policy for specific reporting requirements to avoid any issues with your claim.
Does a police report automatically go to insurance?
No, a police report does not automatically go to your insurance company. While the police report can be a crucial part of the claims process, it is your responsibility to provide it to your insurance company. You can obtain a copy of the police report from the local law enforcement agency and submit it to your insurer as part of your claim documentation.
What happens if someone wrecks your car and they aren’t on your State Farm insurance??
If someone who is not listed on your insurance wrecks your car and you have State Farm coverage, the situation is handled based on your policy terms. Generally, your insurance may cover the damages under your collision or comprehensive coverage, depending on the circumstances. If the person driving your car is not listed on your policy, you may need to pay a deductible, and your rates might increase. It’s essential to review your policy details and discuss the situation with your State Farm representative to understand the coverage and potential impact on your policy.
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Zach Fagiano
Insurance & Finance Analyst
Zach Fagiano has been in the insurance industry for over 10 years, specializing in property and casualty and risk management consulting. He started out specializing in small businesses and moved up to large commercial real estate risks. During that time, he acquired property & casualty, life & health, and surplus lines brokers licenses. He’s now the Senior Vice President overseeing globa...
Insurance & Finance Analyst
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